FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 17
Contact: Logan Smith
[email protected]
202-709-8825

Bend the Arc: Pathway to citizenship in Senate budget resolution “a huge step”
Senate’s “vote-a-rama” also a reminder of the attacks against immigrants that persist in this country

WASHINGTON – Bend the Arc: Jewish Action released the following statement in response to the Senate’s inclusion of a pathway to citizenship in its budget resolution:

“The inclusion of a pathway to citizenship in the budget resolution is a huge step toward equity, safety, and long-overdue permanent legal status for immigrants to our country,” said Rabbi Jason Kimelman-Block, Washington Director of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action. “However, this milestone wasn’t a foregone conclusion – and it doesn’t mean the work is over. The immigrant justice movement has worked tirelessly for these gains. Bend the Arc supporters and the Jewish community more broadly have mobilized for nearly a decade in service of this vision, and we will continue pressing on to see the pathway to citizenship become law.”

“The ‘vote-a-rama’ on the Senate’s budget resolution is also a reminder of the attacks against immigrants that persist in this country. Republicans in Congress and across the country continue falsely scapegoating immigrants for the rise in COVID cases, echoing white nationalist attacks that have been used to spread fear and distrust of immigrants for centuries. As Jews, we understand these dehumanizing tactics all too well, and we will continue to fight back against these attacks.”

“We call on Congress to pass a final reconciliation bill that includes a robust pathway to citizenship, and without increasing unnecessary border militarization. We call for a just, compassionate, and humane approach to immigration, which welcomes immigrants with programs grounded in our communities and protects the safety and dignity of all people.”

Bend the Arc: Jewish Action is also participating in the Defund Hate Coalition’s day of action on Wednesday, uniting communities across the country to demand that Congress cut funding for ICE and CBP and instead invest our tax dollars in health care, education and other vital programs that benefit all of us.

Bend the Arc: Jewish Action is uniting a movement of tens of thousands of progressive Jews across the country who are fighting for justice and equality for all. We are the only national Jewish organization focused exclusively on social change in the United States.

###